Nighthawk450

Hello,
I just purchased a nifty little 5spd 1998 jeep cherokee sport (2dr) and received it today in certified condition. However, when I got in it and started it for the first time, the check engine light was on.

I checked the gas cap, and all that jazz. I read that you can turn the ignition switch from off to run 3 times (2 off, 3 run), and the digital odometer should display the OBD II code. I have tried several times and still can't seem to get a code read... am I doing something wrong, or is my model jeep not compatible with this little trick.

I may end up having to put it on a scanner tomorrow... but though it was worth a shot asking around first.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

storm101

Pretty sure the self diagnostic requires you to hold the odometer stick in, and turn the key right to right before it starts (while still holding the stick, then release when the key is in place), it should do a dash light check and toss some #'s in where the mileage is.

Never done it with a CEL on so not sure what will happen! I do recall it should show up though

Nighthawk450

Hey Storm 101,

Thanks for the input. I tried that too... but just got the gauges check. It was super fun to watch, but in the end, I never got a code displayed. :-(

Thanks again!

KTMrider

Disconnect the ground to your bat. for a couple mins and reconect it. If you check your gas cap and that was the problem it should be cured. I had a check engine light on many times due to gas cap. It takes a while to cycle out of comp. For some reason they couldnt read my comp. either. GL

Nighthawk450

Thank you KTMrider,

I will try that first thing tomorrow when it's light out. Will write back with a report.

Cheers.

Nighthawk450

UPDATE: as promised.

So, I put in on a scanner today... got a P0138 here. Said something about an O2 sensor high voltage. At least I know it's not serious now.

Gonna fix that up soon...

On a side note... I know this is the wrong section of the forum, but can anybody explain to me the shift light (little up arrow) in my dash??? The owners manual says it's a shift light... but the times it comes on and off make now sense to me. How does it work?

Thanks again for all the help everyone!

mike albo

it comes on to tell you to shift to get the best fuel economy,had that in my 93 GMC truck gets really onoing

Nighthawk450

I know what you mean!!!! I've only driven it for a day and I already hate the thing!!! When I am actually accelerating it's never on... but when I cruise at like 1500 to 2000 rpm it stays on or flashes grr.

Thanks for the input though... makes sense. Any idea what runs it? Somebody told me it has to do something with the vacuum or something.

As you can tell... I am annoyed, yet fascinated by this little light! lol

Thanks

mike albo

unplug the light